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People's State Forest, CT: Late-October Hike

<p>A loop hike combining history, nature, great mountain views and features historic stone markers, glacial boulders, and a beaver meadow.</p>

People's State Forest, CT: Late-October Hike

<p>A loop hike combining history, nature, great mountain views and features historic stone markers, glacial boulders, and a beaver meadow.</p>

Details

Distance: 4.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 650 Feet

Please join us for a late-October hike up in the People’s State Forest located in the Pleasant Valley Section of Barkhamsted, CT (http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325054).
 
 
We will use the path recommended in the book “AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Connecticut”, Trip 20 (Page 119). 
 
 
In the book, this hike is deemed difficult not only on account of its length but also because some sections are steep and rugged, requiring hikers to maneuver over bouldered ridges.  Some sections offer amazing views of the Farmington River and nearby hills. We will also pass by an early-American cemetery, where graves are marked with uninscribed stones, and visit the remnants of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse, a little-known historic site with a story that would appeal to the hopeless romantic in all of us. 
 
 
Please pack a lunch and enough water to last the journey.

 

Directions

We will meet by the trailhead for the Jesse Gerard Trail (Yellow Blazed Trail) which is across the street from the parking lot.

Driving Directions
Get On to US Route 44. 
From there turn on to Route 318. Cross the Farmington River over a truss bridge and take the first left on to East River Road. 
 
Continue on East River Road for 2.5 Miles
 
Parking area will be on left. I will be wearing a Basque Beret.
 
NB: DO NOT PARK at the Matthies Grove Recreation Area Parking.   The parking and true meeting point for the hike is 1.5 Miles further up the road across from the trailhead for the Jesse Girard Trail. It’s a small parking area on the left facing the river. The sign for the Jesse Girard Trail will be across the street.

Date has been changed  tentatively to Saturday November 5, 2011 due to weather conditions.

Saturday, November 5, 2011
Barkhamsted, CT · Directions
Meet at 10:00 AM
Hosted by Young_Frankenstein
2/20 signed up

About this event

Distance: 4.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 650 Feet

Please join us for a late-October hike up in the People’s State Forest located in the Pleasant Valley Section of Barkhamsted, CT (http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325054).
 
 
We will use the path recommended in the book “AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Connecticut”, Trip 20 (Page 119). 
 
 
In the book, this hike is deemed difficult not only on account of its length but also because some sections are steep and rugged, requiring hikers to maneuver over bouldered ridges.  Some sections offer amazing views of the Farmington River and nearby hills. We will also pass by an early-American cemetery, where graves are marked with uninscribed stones, and visit the remnants of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse, a little-known historic site with a story that would appeal to the hopeless romantic in all of us. 
 
 
Please pack a lunch and enough water to last the journey.

 

Directions to the trailhead

Get directions
Opens turn-by-turn directions to Barkhamsted, CT, 06059 in Google Maps (new tab).

We will meet by the trailhead for the Jesse Gerard Trail (Yellow Blazed Trail) which is across the street from the parking lot.

Driving Directions
Get On to US Route 44. 
From there turn on to Route 318. Cross the Farmington River over a truss bridge and take the first left on to East River Road. 
 
Continue on East River Road for 2.5 Miles
 
Parking area will be on left. I will be wearing a Basque Beret.
 
NB: DO NOT PARK at the Matthies Grove Recreation Area Parking.   The parking and true meeting point for the hike is 1.5 Miles further up the road across from the trailhead for the Jesse Girard Trail. It’s a small parking area on the left facing the river. The sign for the Jesse Girard Trail will be across the street.

Date has been changed  tentatively to Saturday November 5, 2011 due to weather conditions.

Who's going (2)

richardc SUSTAINING
richardc
Danbury, CT
vwgreg SUSTAINING
vwgreg
Enfield, CT

Questions about this event?

Questions for the host, Young_Frankenstein, about route details, carpooling, or what to bring? Ask in the event discussion below.

Event discussion

M
Member · Oct 18, 2011
Hello Gentlemen. Please note I have d information on the meeting place. It's a little confusing because the park has a large parking area at the entrance, but the starting point for the hike is 1.5 Miles further up the road. There's is a small parking lot there as well. Just want to make sure you all make it. Thanks!
M
Member · Oct 24, 2011
In case anyone is interested, we could do a post-hike drink and/or bite at Chatterley's a little pub restaurant in New Hartford, CT about 10 minutes away from the hike area. Here's the address: 2 Bridge St, New Hartford, CT 06057.
M
Member · Oct 27, 2011
Hello: I've decided that despite the weather, the hike will go through this Saturday. As of 10/27/2011, the Weather Channel is saying 30% Chance of Rain and few showers. Most of the hike is under a canopy of trees so we should be fine. I will only cancel if it's a torrent of rain. Please e-mail me for questions of concerns.
M
Member · Oct 28, 2011
Guys, I’m really really sorry, but I think we’ll need to reschedule the hike for another time. Per the weather forecast, it won’t start raining till 1:00 PM and then followed by snow at 4, with heavy snows in the evening. But it’s going to be raw and damp weather-wise. Plus the weather could change so fast and affect driving, I wouldn’t want to put anyone at risk. I’ll see about rescheduling over the next two weekends.
M
Member · Nov 4, 2011
Good thing the hike was rescheduled. Driving conditions were really bad. The hike is on tomorrow. Weather forecast is sunny, in the low 40's. Thanks!
M
Member · Nov 4, 2011
Richard,
Sorry but I won't make the hike tomorrow. Happy trails!
Gary

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